Commencement was held successfully and (NOT) ready to go home

 The 2024 Summer Study Abroad Program has been successfully concluded though everyone has to go home safely tomorrow.

Since our flight is quite early from Osaka Itami Airport to Haneda, everyone has to get up before 5 am so that we can catch the 6:20 am bus to Osaka from Kyoto.

Probably everyone's luggage has doubled with full souvenirs for everyone including themselves.

COD Study Abroad Program will be transformed soon so this is the final year for the program we have been doing for over 20 years.

Future programs must require at least one year of Japanese language learning before participation in the newly transformed program.

Spring trip will be coming as usual in the beginning of April 2025 and already 3 people registered.

Socializing with Students of Kyoto Sangyo University and Kamigamo Jinja Shrine

Shingo's high school classmate, Dr. Kazuhiko Namba, who is a professor at Kyoto Sangyo University offered a Campus tour of his university guided by his students.

Our students went to Kyoto Sangyo University in the afternoon to meet with a few students there had a Campus tour and took some group pictures.

Then the college shuttle bus took us to Kamigamo Jinja Shrine which used to be Shingo's playground during his elementary school time.

The afternoon excursion of the program concluded today and we will have a commencement tomorrow and be ready to return to the USA on Friday. 

Another great program is now coming to an end.

Eliminating all the evil spirit before the return trip.

 We have to clean ourselves from any kind of evil spirit before the return trip so that everyone can get home safely this weekend.

The best place for that purpose is SEIMEI SHRINE where the 10th-century famous exorcist ABE no SEIMEI is held.

We hope any calamity will be eliminated and everyone gets home with a smile.

After visiting Seeimei Shrine, we visited Nishijin Textile Center for almost final shopping of quality souvenirs.

Our Final Mountain Walking of this program was to visit Monkey Park

 The final week of the program begins with visiting the Monkey Park in Arashiyama.

Though the temperature was over 90 F (100F in heat index) we successfully visited the Monkey Park in Arashiyamma to see many monkeys.

Some were feeding Monkeys from the inside of the Building as if they were in a cage.

The view from the mountaintop was probably the most magnificent on this trip.

A few more days to conclude the program.  Everyone tries to maximize their experience.

TANABATA Festival & Nijo Castle

 July Seventh is the famous Tanabata Festival (Milky Way Festival).  Every student had a chance to write their own wish and tie the Bamboo branch to decorate the school gate.

After school, we visited the Nijo Castle to experience the Nightingale Floor (Squeeking Floor) in the main building before exploring its gorgeous garden.

The program is now approaching the final week.

Okazaki-jinja Shrine and Kyoto City Zoo

 Rain was expected but before getting caught in the rain, we managed to visit Okazaki-jinja Shrine.

Okazaki Shrine became famous recently for finding good prospects and/or giving easy birth, etc.

We walked from Okazaki Shrine to the Kyoto City Zoo to meet many animals closer to viewers.

Students have a special Kyoto Pass for free admission and I have a yearly pass.

Another beautiful day has passed.

Kurama Temple in Mt. Kurama

 Today was the only clear day this week so far and so we went up to Kurama without fail.

Stairs and uphills challenged us but we all made it to the temple. Eiden rain took us from Demachiyanagi station to Kurama.

Kurama is famous for Kurama Tengu so some bought the Tengu mask and others got some charms and amulets.

I hope a nice day like today continues!